Candidates must have secure home internet access, a hotspot, or VPN and must be able to work Wednesdays and in the IDPH Springfield, IL office one day per week (flexible).
Join our team at the Office of Health Protection and Response-Bureau of Environmental Health with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to support the review and enhancement of educational materials for the Raw Milk Program Educational Information Update Project. In this role, the intern will help ensure public-facing resources are accurate, current, and aligned with the latest regulatory and scientific guidance. Working alongside program staff, the intern will contribute to updating materials that explain raw milk production practices, safety requirements, and associated risks in a clear and accessible way.
This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to support science-based communication and public health education. The intern’s work will help strengthen consistency across program messaging, improve public understanding, and support transparency between regulatory agencies, producers, and consumers. Through this experience, the intern will gain practical exposure to regulatory programs, scientific reference review, and the development of trusted public health information.
Responsibilities:
- Review and inventory existing Raw Milk Program educational materials, including brochures, fact sheets, website content, FAQs, and guidance documents.
- Identify outdated or unclear information and recommend updates to improve accuracy and clarity.
- Cross-reference materials with current state and federal regulations, public health guidance, and scientific literature to ensure information is accurate and up to date.
- Revise and reorganize content to create clear, consistent, and accessible educational materials for producers, retailers, and consumers.
- Standardize messaging and terminology across all materials.
- Assist in developing new educational resources to address gaps and frequently asked questions.
- Support improvements to formatting, layout, visual design, and digital accessibility (e.g., ADA compliance) to enhance readability across print and web platforms.
- Incorporate visual aids such as charts, infographics, and process diagrams where appropriate.
- Collaborate with program staff to gather and incorporate feedback from internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Assist with preparing updated materials for publication and distribution through program communication channels.
- Prepare updated materials in print and online and support the development of a communication plan to inform stakeholders of updates.
- Perform additional duties as assigned within the scope of the project.
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled (and in good academic standing) in an undergraduate environmental health, food science, or similar program.
- Must live within 1.5 hours of Springfield, IL to be on-site one day per week (flexible).
- Wednesday availability is required.
- Secure home internet access, a hotspot, or VPN.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Preferred knowledge of universal design for web content.
- Ability to review scientific or technical information and translate it into clear, accessible language.
- Experience or coursework in research, writing, food safety, digital design, or communication is strongly desired.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage independent projects and meet deadlines.
Duration and Compensation:
This is an unpaid hybrid internship requiring availability on Wednesdays, with flexible in-person hours in the Springfield, IL office.
This internship is from May to August (with flexible start and end dates depending on your academic schedule) and will require 15–20 hours per week. Academic credit may be available depending on your institution’s policies and guidelines.
All applications must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2026 by 9 a.m. to be considered for this internship.
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